Good topic JD, I think most of the reasons have been dealt with very well. I agree with Mick's point that we just don't have enough of a goal threat from our mid field. We've been spoiled for so many years with Gerrard taking so much pressure off the front men and those around him in terms of goals, now it is very much up to 3/4 players to contribute 80%+ of our goals. And add that in to how teams comes to play at Anfield sitting deep, the space and chances are going to fall to deeper players when we're all so high up the pitch. Swansea was prime example, in those blistering first 25 mins the only time you felt a shot could get off was with Milner, Can and Lallana. None of which carry a goal threat at the moment. So it's easier for these teams to look at a Can or a Lucas on the edge of the area and say, well he's not as big of a threat as this lad (Coutinho, Sturridge etc.) so he can have the space for the shot because he wants the pass. And therefore we can never get those key passes in the final third. At our best in 13/14 it was a nightmare for defences, Suarez, Sturridge, Gerrard, Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson all had goals and movement in them (as well as Skrtels regular contribution), it was impossible to keep out. Whereas now I think we're a better defensive unit but get tight to the key men and we run out of options.
I think Henderson returning will be a boost, especially with Lucas in such rich form, I hope Klopp will give him more license to get up and attack. There's no doubting his engine or work rate to get back in support when necessary. We also have to keep in mind the type of teams that have been to Anfield so far, a draw was a good result for every one of them. We still have to play a team that wants to come and play, that will look to attack us, therefore giving us better space and opportunities. We still have Arsenal, Man United, Man City, Everton, Chelsea and Spurs to come to Anfield. Plus Newcastle and Watford at the end of the season who will need points, a darw won't be enough for them at that stage.
As well as Henderson returning, I know it is stating the obvious but Sturridge will be a big bonus too. He showed on Wednesday he can make a goal out of nothing. His first touch for the first goal was dreadful, kept his composure, stood his man up and put it away calmly. A player like that can turn games single handed. I know fittness is an issue, but even if he can help boost the confidence at home the way we have away then everyone else might start stepping up.
We're far from a perfect team, no one in this league is. We're going to have tough days and invariably they will be at home. But those tough days will always be worth it when we can see the improvement in the performance, when we dog out three points like we did at Swansea and when we take that experience and go put a team to the sword like we did on Wednesday.
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